Methods and systems for retrieving personnel

ABSTRACT

A method for retrieving personnel is provided. The method includes receiving a radio signal indicating a real-time position of personnel to be retrieved, deploying an unmanned aerial vehicle to the real-time position, receiving an indication that the personnel to be retrieved is on-board the unmanned aerial vehicle, and operating the unmanned aerial vehicle to move the personnel to a different location.

BACKGROUND

The field of the disclosure relates generally to search and rescueoperations, and more specifically, to retrieving personnel.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, personnel may become stranded in anunfamiliar and/or hostile location. Such personnel typically need to berescued and/or retrieved from the unfamiliar and/or hostile location.Before the personnel can be retrieved, however, the feasibility of therescue operation is often evaluated.

To determine the feasibility of a rescue operation, several differentvariables may be considered. For example, the status, condition, and/orexact location of the personnel are generally determined. Furthermore,the proximity and intensity of hostile activity around the personnel maybe considered. For example, hostile forces aware of the strandedpersonnel may attempt to ambush any attempted rescue operation.

As such, given the state of the personnel and hostile activity, aproposed rescue operation that is likely to result in further casualtiesand/or injuries may not progress beyond an initial planning state, ormay be canceled while underway. Accordingly, at least some known systemsand method for personnel retrieval typically will not be used in arelatively risky and/or hostile personnel retrieval scenario.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In one aspect, a method for retrieving personnel is provided. The methodincludes receiving a radio signal indicating a real-time position ofpersonnel to be retrieved, deploying an unmanned aerial vehicle to thereal-time position, receiving an indication that the personnel to beretrieved is on-board the unmanned aerial vehicle, and operating theunmanned aerial vehicle to move the personnel to a different location.

In another aspect, a personnel extraction system is provided. The systemincludes a hand held radio operable to transmit a position of the radio,an unmanned aerial vehicle operable to receive a radio signal indicatinga real-time position of personnel to be retrieved, deploy to thereal-time position, and transport the personnel to a different location,and a command center operable to control a deployment of the unmannedaerial vehicle.

In yet another aspect, a rescue pod for use in retrieving personnel isprovided. The rescue pod includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a firstside wall, and a second side wall that define a passenger compartment,an absorption layer positioned between the bottom wall and a floor ofthe passenger compartment, the absorption layer operable to absorb animpact force to protect a user positioned within the passengercompartment, and at least one door that provides the user access to thepassenger compartment.

In yet another aspect, an unmanned aerial vehicle for use in retrievingpersonnel is provided. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes acommunication module operable to a receive a signal indicating areal-time position of personnel to be retrieved from a hand-held radio,and a control module coupled to the communication module and configuredto generate a flight path to the real-time position, and command theunmanned aerial vehicle to deploy to the real-time position along theflight path.

In yet another aspect, a hand held radio for use in retrieving personnelis provided. The hand held radio includes a navigation module operableto determine a real-time position of personnel, a communication moduleoperable to continuously transmit the real-time position of thepersonnel to an unmanned aerial vehicle, and a user input moduleoperable to receive input from the personnel.

In yet another aspect, a method for authorizing communications between ahand held radio and an unmanned aerial vehicle for retrieval ofpersonnel is provided. The method includes transmitting, using the handheld radio, a request for retrieval of personnel to a command center,determining, at the command center, whether the personnel are authorizedfor retrieval, and permitting the unmanned aerial vehicle to communicatewith the hand held radio when the personnel are authorized forretrieval.

In yet another aspect, a system for retrieving personnel is provided.The system includes a hand held radio operable to transmit a position ofthe radio, an unmanned aerial vehicle operable to receive thetransmitted position and travel to the transmitted position, and arescue pod coupled to the unmanned aerial vehicle and operable totransport the personnel from the transmitted position.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can beachieved independently in various embodiments or may be combined in yetother embodiments, further details of which can be seen with referenceto the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary retrieval system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary radio that may be used withthe system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary unmanned vehicle that may beused with the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary rescue pod that may be used withthe system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rescue pod shown in

FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary authorization process that may beused with the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of an exemplary data processing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The systems and methods described herein facilitate retrievingpersonnel. A user operates a hand held radio to communicate with anunmanned aerial vehicle and a command center. When the command centerauthorizes communication between the unmanned aerial vehicle and thehand held radio, the hand held radio transmits information indicating aposition of the user to the unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerialvehicle uses the position information to travel to the location of theuser. Once the unmanned aerial vehicle reaches the user, the user boardsa rescue pod attached to the unmanned aerial vehicle, and the unmannedaerial vehicle transports the rescue pod and the user to a differentlocation. As used herein, “personnel” refers to any person and/orpersons (e.g., civilian, military, etc.) that may be retrieved using thesystems and methods described herein.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary retrieval system 100.System 100 includes a user 102 equipped with a radio device 104. Theuser 102 is located at a pick-up location 106. System 100 furtherincludes an unmanned aerial vehicle 108 and a rescue pod 110 coupled tounmanned aerial vehicle 108. Unmanned aerial vehicle 108 locates user102 by communicating with radio device 104. Accordingly, unmanned aerialvehicle 108 can travel to pick-up location 106. Once unmanned aerialvehicle 108 reaches pick-up location 106, user 102 can board rescue pod110, and unmanned aerial vehicle 108 can transport rescue pod 110 anduser 102 away from pick-up location 106.

In the exemplary embodiment, a ground command center 112 communicateswith unmanned aerial vehicle 108 and/or user 102 using radio device 104.Ground command center 112 coordinates pick-up of user 102. In theexemplary embodiment, ground command center 112 facilitates conductingan authentication process for system 100, as described in detail below.Moreover, a human operator (not shown) at ground command center 112 mayoperate and/or control unmanned aerial vehicle 108.

In the exemplary embodiment, radio device 104, unmanned aerial vehicle108, and ground command center 112 are all configured to communicatewith one another to facilitate rescuing user 102 from pick-up location106. Detailed operation of system 100 is described herein.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary radio device 200, such asradio device 104, that may be used with system 100 (both shown in FIG.1). In the exemplary embodiment, radio device 200 is an AN/PRQ-7 CombatSurvivor Evader Locator (CSEL) hand-held radio. Alternatively, radiodevice 200 is any communications device capable of functioning asdescribed herein.

Radio device 200 is relatively small and lightweight, enabling user 102(shown in FIG. 1) to easily carry and operate radio device 200. In theexemplary embodiment, radio device 200 includes a global positioningsystem (GPS) module 202, a communications module 204, and an inputmodule 206 that are communicatively coupled to one another.

GPS module 202 calculates geopositional information for radio device200, and accordingly, user 102. Geopositional information may include,for example, the current latitude, longitude, and/or altitude of radiodevice 200. The geopositional information may be calculated, forexample, by communicating with satellites using communications module204.

Communications module 204 transmits and receives data for radio device200. Using communications module 204, Data may be transmitted andreceived securely, using suitable encryption methods. Further,communications module 204 is capable of utilizing a satellitecommunication network or similar communication networks to facilitatelong range, over-the-horizon, two-way data communications. Moreover,communications module 204 is capable of communicating over multiplecommunications networks, for an increased response time. Communicationsmodule 204 enables radio device 200 to communicate with unmanned aerialvehicle 108 and ground command center 112. Data transmitted bycommunications module 204 may include geopositional information from GPSmodule 202, messages from user 102 input using input module 206, and/orany other types of data that enable radio device 200 to function asdescribed herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, communications module 204 transmitsgeopositional information from GPS module 202 to unmanned aerial vehicle108 (shown in FIG. 1). In the exemplary embodiment, geopositionalinformation is transmitted continuously to unmanned aerial vehicle 108.Alternatively, geopositional information may be transmitted periodicallyto unmanned aerial vehicle 108. Unmanned aerial vehicle 108 receives thegeopositional information and determines pick-up location 106 (shown inFIG. 1), as described in detail below.

Input module 206 enables user 102 to communicate using radio device 200.In the exemplary embodiment, input module 206 includes a microphone 222and speaker 224 that enable user 102 to conduct real-time voicecommunications using communications module 204. Moreover, input module206 includes an input device 226, such as a keypad and/or keyboard, thatenables user 102 to enter text messages. Input module 206 also includesa display device 228 that enables user 102 to view received textmessages. Display device 228 may also display other information to user102. For example display device 228 may display geopositionalinformation from GPS module 202 and/or a map showing the currentlocation of user 102.

Input module 206 also includes a camera 230 that enables user 102 tocapture still images and record video with radio device 200. User mayuse camera 230 to transmit still images and/or video of pick-up location106 to command control center 112. Further, camera 230 may facilitateidentification of user 102 during the authentication process, asdescribed in detail below. Accordingly, with input module 206 andcommunications module 204, user 102 can directly communicate with groundcommand center 112 (shown in FIG. 1) via voice, text, still images,and/or video.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary unmanned aerial vehicle 300,such as unmanned aerial vehicle 108, that may be used with system 100(both shown in FIG. 1). In the exemplary embodiment, unmanned aerialvehicle 300 is an A160T Hummingbird unmanned utility helicopter.Alternatively, unmanned aerial vehicle 300 is any unmanned vehiclecapable of functioning as described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, unmanned aerial vehicle 300 is a verticaltake-off and landing (VTOL) vehicle. Moreover, unmanned aerial vehicle300 has high altitude capabilities, and may be able to fly higher,further, and longer than similar vehicles that carry human pilots.Further, in some embodiments, unmanned aerial vehicle 300 includes anoptimum speed rotor system (not shown) that controls the revolutions perminute (RPM) of rotor blades (not shown) on the unmanned aerial vehicle300. The optimum speed rotor system facilitates improving engineefficiency and reducing rotor noise of the unmanned aerial vehicle 300.

Unmanned aerial vehicle 300 includes a communications module 302, acontrol module 304, and an observation module 306 that arecommunicatively coupled to one other. Communications module 302transmits and receives data for unmanned aerial vehicle 300. Similar tocommunications module 204, communications module 302 is capable ofsecurely transmitting data using suitable encryption methods, enablinglong-range two-way communications, and communicating over multiplecommunication networks. Communications module 302 enables unmannedaerial vehicle 300 to communicate with radio device 104 and groundcommand center 112 (both shown in FIG. 1). Data transmitted and/orreceived by communications module 302 may include geopositionalinformation, messages to and/or from user 102 using radio device 104,and/or any other types of data that enable unmanned aerial vehicle 300to function as described herein.

Control module 304 controls the flight and operation of unmanned aerialvehicle 300. In the exemplary embodiment, control module 304 includes anautopilot component 322 and a manual component 324. An operator atground command center 112 can control unmanned aerial vehicle 300 bytransmitting instructions to manual component 324 via communicationsmodule 302. Such instructions may be input using a remote control deviceand/or any other suitable operator input device. Manual component 324receives the instructions and controls the flight and operation ofunmanned aerial vehicle 300 accordingly.

Autopilot component 322 controls the flight and operation of unmannedaerial vehicle 300 without input from a human operator. In the exemplaryembodiment, geopositional information received from radio device 104 isprovided to autopilot component 322 via communications module 302.Autopilot component 322 utilizes the received geopositional informationto calculate a flight path to pick-up location 106 (shown in FIG. 1). Asradio device 104 continuously or periodically provides updatedgeopositional information to autopilot component 322, autopilotcomponent 322 continuously or periodically updates the calculated flightpath. Autopilot component 322 controls the operation and flight ofunmanned aerial vehicle 300 such that unmanned aerial vehicle 300follows the calculated flight path. Accordingly, autopilot component 322flies the unmanned aerial vehicle 300 towards pick-up location 106.

In the exemplary embodiment, autopilot component 322 utilizes digitalterrain and/or elevation data to calculate the flight path.Alternatively, autopilot component 322 may use any suitable methods tocalculate the flight path. In some embodiments, to facilitate avoidingdetection of unmanned aerial vehicle 300, autopilot component 322 maycalculated a flight path that is a terrain masking, or nap-of-the-earth(NOE), flight path. Alternatively, autopilot component 322 may calculatea direct flight path.

Observation module 306 includes a camera 330 that monitors theenvironment surrounding unmanned aerial vehicle 300. Camera 330 acquiresstill images and/or video of the environment. A human operator at groundcommand center 112 may monitor the still images and/or video to assistin operation of the unmanned aerial vehicle 300 using manual component324. In the exemplary embodiment, observation module 306 includes aradar system 332. Radar system 332 may include, for example,forest-penetrating radar to facilitate locating user 102 and/oridentifying potential threats to user 102 and/or unmanned aerial vehicle300.

When unmanned aerial vehicle 300 reaches pick-up location 106, a humanoperator at ground command center 112 takes control of unmanned aerialvehicle 300 to land unmanned aerial vehicle 300. The human operator mayview images transmitted from camera 330 to assist in landing unmannedaerial vehicle 300. Once unmanned aerial vehicle 300 has landed atpick-up location 106, user 102 may board the attached rescue pod 110(shown in FIG. 1). The operator may then control unmanned aerial vehicle300 to take off and transport user 102 to a desired location.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary rescue pod 400, such as rescue pod110, that may be used with system 100 (both shown in FIG. 1). FIG. 5 isa cross-sectional view of rescue pod 400. In the exemplary embodiment,rescue pod 400 is coupled to unmanned aerial vehicle 108 (shown inFIG. 1) using lugs and/or any suitable coupling and/or fastening device.Rescue pod 400 is manufactured from relatively lightweight materials tominimize the load on unmanned aerial vehicle 108. While in the exemplaryembodiment, user 102 (shown in FIG. 1) boards a rescue pod, it should beappreciated that other rescue devices may be coupled to unmanned aerialvehicle 108. For example, in some embodiments, a rescue seat and/orharness may be coupled to unmanned aerial vehicle 300 by one or morecables. A rescue seat and/or harness may be useful in collecting user102 from environments where unmanned aerial vehicle 300 is unable toland.

In the exemplary embodiment, rescue pod 400 includes a top wall 402, abottom wall 404, a first end 406, and a second end 408. A first sidewall 410 and a second side wall 412 extend between top wall 402 andbottom wall 404 to define a passenger compartment 414 within rescue pod400.

In the exemplary embodiment, bottom wall 404 is manufactured from amaterial that is damage resistant. For example, bottom wall 404 may bemanufactured from Level IV Ceramic Armor that is resistant to small-armsfire. Top wall 402, first side wall 410, and second side wall 412 mayalso be manufactured from similar materials.

A shock absorption layer 420 is defined between bottom wall 404 and afloor 422 of passenger compartment 414. Shock absorption layer 420absorbs impact forces when unmanned aerial vehicle 108 lands and takesoff, reducing the forces experienced by user 102 when user 102 islocated in passenger compartment 414. In the exemplary embodiment, shockabsorption layer 420 has a honeycomb structure. Alternatively, shockabsorption layer 420 has any structure that facilitates absorbing impactforces. In some embodiments, floor 422 is covered in fire-resistant highdensity foam to protect user 102.

In the exemplary embodiment, first and second side walls 410 and 412each include two doors 430. For clarity, only one door 430 isillustrated in FIG. 4. Alternatively, rescue pod 400 includes any numberof doors 430 that enable pod 400 to function as described herein. Doors430 each include a handle 432 to facilitate opening and closing doors430. To protect user 102, doors 430 are manufactured from a damageresistant material. For example, doors 430 may be manufactured fromKevlar®-clad titanium. Kevlar® is a registered trademark of E. I. duPont de Nemours and Company, of Wilmington, Del.

In the exemplary embodiment, doors 430 are roll-up doors that roll-upinto a ceiling 440 of rescue pod 400 when opened. Alternatively, in someembodiments, doors 430 are clamshell doors that are pivotally attachedto top wall 402.

Rescue pod 400 has a width, W, a height, H, and a length, L. In theexemplary embodiment, width W is approximately 32 inches, height H isapproximately 30 inches, and length L is approximately 14 feet.Alternatively, rescue pod 400 has any dimensions that enable pod 400 tofunction as described herein. When boarding rescue pod 400, user 102lies along length L within passenger compartment 414. In the exemplaryembodiment, passenger compartment 414 can hold two users 102 lyingend-to-end along length L.

First end 406 includes a first fairing 450, and second end 408 includesa second fairing 452. First and second fairings 450 and 452 each have aconical, aerodynamic shape, and are manufactured from a damage resistantmaterial. In the exemplary embodiment, first and second fairing 450 and452 are detachably coupled to at least one of top wall 402, bottom wall404, first side wall 410, and second side wall 412. By operating arelease handle 454 mounted in passenger compartment 414, user 102 candetach first and second fairings 450 and 452. Release handle 454 may bemounted on floor 422, ceiling 440, and/or any other interior surface ofpassenger compartment 414. This enables user 102 to exit rescue pod 400via first end 406 and/or second end 408 if doors 430 become damagedand/or inoperable.

In the exemplary embodiment, rescue pod 400 includes a harness 460 forsecuring user 102 during transport, and a light 462 for illuminatingpassenger compartment 414. Further, rescue pod 400 may include an oxygensource 464 and a portable first aid kit 466 for user 102. Moreover,rescue pod 400 may include a radio 468 that enables user 102 tocommunicate with, for example, an operator at ground command center 112(shown in FIG. 1). A verification device 470 in passenger compartment414 enables an operator to verify user 102 has boarded rescue pod 400.In the exemplary embodiment, verification device 470 is a camera thatenables the operator to observe user 102 within passenger compartment414. Alternatively, verification device 470 is a switch operable by user102 such that when user 102 operates the switch, a signal is transmittedto at least one of unmanned aerial vehicle 108 and ground command center112 to confirm that user 102 has boarded rescue pod 400. Harness 460,light 462, oxygen source 464, portable first aid kit 466, radio 468,and/or verification device 470 may be mounted on floor 422, ceiling 440,and/or any other interior surface of passenger compartment 414. In someembodiments, rescue pod 400 includes a switch (not shown).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary authorization process 600 that maybe used with system 100 (shown in FIG. 1). In process 600, a user, suchas user 102 (shown in FIG. 1), requests 602 a pick-up from an unmannedaerial vehicle, such as unmanned aerial vehicle 108 (shown in FIG. 1).In the exemplary embodiment, the user requests 602 pick-up bycommunicating with the unmanned vehicle and/or a ground command center,such as ground command center 112 (shown in FIG. 1). The usercommunicates using a radio device, such as radio device 104 (shown inFIG. 1).

An operator at the ground command center 112, receives 604 the pick-uprequest, and determines 606 whether the user is authorized for pick-up.To determine 606 whether the user is authorized, the operator mayattempt to verify the identity of the user. The user may verify his orher identity by using the radio device to transmit an authorizationcode, a voice message, and/or a text message. The user may also verifyhis or her identity by transmitting an image of the user acquired usingthe radio device. Once the operator determines 606 the user isauthorized for a pick-up, the operator permits 608 the unmanned aerialvehicle to communicate with the radio device such that the unmannedaerial vehicle can determine and travel to the location of the user.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of an exemplary data processing system 1000 that maybe used in implementing one or more of the embodiments described herein.For example, GPS module 202, communications module 204, input module206, communications module 302, control module 304, and/or observationmodule 306 may be implemented using data processing system 1000. In theexemplary embodiment, data processing system 1000 includescommunications fabric 1002, which provides communications betweenprocessor unit 1004, memory 1006, persistent storage 1008,communications unit 1010, input/output (I/O) unit 1012, and display1014.

Processor unit 1004 serves to execute instructions for software that maybe loaded into memory 1006. Processor unit 1004 may be a set of one ormore processors or may be a multi-processor core, depending on theparticular implementation. Further, processor unit 1004 may beimplemented using one or more heterogeneous processor systems in which amain processor is present with secondary processors on a single chip.

As another illustrative example, processor unit 1004 may be a symmetricmulti-processor system containing multiple processors of the same type.Further, processor unit 1004 may be implemented using any suitableprogrammable circuit including one or more systems and microcontrollers,microprocessors, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic circuits, fieldprogrammable gate arrays (FPGA), and any other circuit capable ofexecuting the functions described herein.

Memory 1006 and persistent storage 1008 are examples of storage devices.A storage device is any piece of hardware that is capable of storinginformation either on a temporary basis and/or a permanent basis. Memory1006, in these examples, may be, for example, without limitation, arandom access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatilestorage device. Persistent storage 1008 may take various forms dependingon the particular implementation.

For example, without limitation, persistent storage 1008 may contain oneor more components or devices. For example, persistent storage 1008 maybe a hard drive, a flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritablemagnetic tape, or some combination of the above. The media used bypersistent storage 1008 also may be removable. For example, withoutlimitation, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage1008.

Communications unit 1010, in these examples, provides for communicationswith other data processing systems or devices. In these examples,communications unit 1010 is a network interface card. Communicationsunit 1010 may provide communications through the use of either or bothphysical and wireless communication links.

Input/output unit 1012 allows for input and output of data with otherdevices that may be connected to data processing system 1000. Forexample, without limitation, input/output unit 1012 may provide aconnection for user input through a keyboard and mouse. Further,input/output unit 1012 may send output to a printer. Display 1014provides a mechanism to display information to a user.

Instructions for the operating system and applications or programs arelocated on persistent storage 1008. These instructions may be loadedinto memory 1006 for execution by processor unit 1004. The processes ofthe different embodiments may be performed by processor unit 1004 usingcomputer implemented instructions, which may be located in a memory,such as memory 1006. These instructions are referred to as program code,computer usable program code, or computer readable program code that maybe read and executed by a processor in processor unit 1004. The programcode in the different embodiments may be embodied on different physicalor tangible computer readable media, such as memory 1006 or persistentstorage 1008.

Program code 1016 is located in a functional form on computer readablemedia 1018 that is selectively removable and may be loaded onto ortransferred to data processing system 1000 for execution by processorunit 1004. Program code 1016 and computer readable media 1018 formcomputer program product 1020 in these examples. In one example,computer readable media 1018 may be in a tangible form, such as, forexample, an optical or magnetic disc that is inserted or placed into adrive or other device that is part of persistent storage 1008 fortransfer onto a storage device, such as a hard drive that is part ofpersistent storage 1008. In a tangible form, computer readable media1018 also may take the form of a persistent storage, such as a harddrive, a thumb drive, or a flash memory that is connected to dataprocessing system 1000. The tangible form of computer readable media1018 is also referred to as computer recordable storage media. In someinstances, computer readable media 1018 may not be removable.

Alternatively, program code 1016 may be transferred to data processingsystem 1000 from computer readable media 1018 through a communicationslink to communications unit 1010 and/or through a connection toinput/output unit 1012. The communications link and/or the connectionmay be physical or wireless in the illustrative examples. The computerreadable media also may take the form of non-tangible media, such ascommunications links or wireless transmissions containing the programcode.

In some illustrative embodiments, program code 1016 may be downloadedover a network to persistent storage 1008 from another device or dataprocessing system for use within data processing system 1000. Forinstance, program code stored in a computer readable storage medium in aserver data processing system may be downloaded over a network from theserver to data processing system 1000. The data processing systemproviding program code 1016 may be a server computer, a client computer,or some other device capable of storing and transmitting program code1016.

The different components illustrated for data processing system 1000 arenot meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner in whichdifferent embodiments may be implemented. The different illustrativeembodiments may be implemented in a data processing system includingcomponents in addition to or in place of those illustrated for dataprocessing system 1000. Other components shown in FIG. 7 can be variedfrom the illustrative examples shown.

As one example, a storage device in data processing system 1000 is anyhardware apparatus that may store data. Memory 1006, persistent storage1008 and computer readable media 1018 are examples of storage devices ina tangible form.

In another example, a bus system may be used to implement communicationsfabric 1002 and may be comprised of one or more buses, such as a systembus or an input/output bus. Of course, the bus system may be implementedusing any suitable type of architecture that provides for a transfer ofdata between different components or devices attached to the bus system.Additionally, a communications unit may include one or more devices usedto transmit and receive data, such as a modem or a network adapter.Further, a memory may be, for example, without limitation, memory 1006or a cache such as that found in an interface and memory controller hubthat may be present in communications fabric 1002.

The embodiments described herein facilitate retrieving personnel. A useroperates a hand held radio to communicate with an unmanned aerialvehicle and a command center. When the command center authorizescommunication between the unmanned aerial vehicle and the hand heldradio, the hand held radio transmits information indicating a positionof the user to the unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicleuses the position information to travel to the location of the user.Once the unmanned aerial vehicle reaches the user, the user boards arescue pod attached to the unmanned aerial vehicle, and the unmannedaerial vehicle transports the rescue pod and the user to a differentlocation.

Unlike at least some known personnel retrieval systems and methods,because the systems and methods described herein utilize an unmannedaerial vehicle, the systems and methods described herein do not putadditional personnel at risk when attempting to rescue strandedpersonnel. The unmanned aerial vehicle may also be capable of higher,faster, quieter, and/or longer flight than at least some known mannedrescue vehicles. Further, as compared to at least some known personnelretrieval systems and methods, the radio device described hereinsecurely communicates with the unmanned aerial vehicle to enable theunmanned aerial vehicle to travel to the location of the user morequickly and accurately. Moreover, the rescue pod described hereinenables safe and efficient retrieval of the stranded personnel.

The embodiments described herein may utilize executable instructionsembodied in a computer readable medium, including, without limitation, astorage device or a memory area of a computing device. Suchinstructions, when executed by one or more processors, cause theprocessor(s) to perform at least a portion of the methods describedherein. As used herein, a “storage device” is a tangible article, suchas a hard drive, a solid state memory device, and/or an optical diskthat is operable to store data.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention maybe shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenienceonly. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature ofa drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with anyfeature of any other drawing.

This written description uses examples to disclose various embodiments,which include the best mode, to enable any person skilled in the art topractice those embodiments, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope isdefined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur tothose skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be withinthe scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do notdiffer from the literal language of the claims, or if they includeequivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from theliteral languages of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A personnel extraction system comprising: a handheld radio operable to transmit a position of said radio; an unmannedaerial vehicle operable to receive a radio signal indicating a real-timeposition of personnel to be retrieved, deploy to the real-time position,and transport the personnel to a different location; a rescue podcoupled to said unmanned aerial vehicle and sized to house thepersonnel, said rescue pod comprising at least one aerodynamic fairingat an end of said rescue pod and at least one door, said aerodynamicfairing detachable from a body of said rescue pod such that thepersonnel can exit said rescue pod through said end; and a commandcenter operable to control a deployment of said unmanned aerial vehicle.2. The personnel extraction system according to claim 1 wherein saidhand held radio is configured to periodically send position updates,said system configured to provide the position updates to at least oneof said unmanned aerial vehicle and said command center.
 3. Thepersonnel extraction system according to claim 1 wherein said unmannedaerial vehicle is controlled by at least one of a remote operator atsaid command center and an autonomous autopilot.
 4. The personnelextraction system according to claim 1 wherein said unmanned aerialvehicle comprises an onboard camera mounted thereon, images from saidonboard camera utilized to monitor operation of said unmanned aerialvehicle.
 5. The personnel extraction system according to claim 4 whereinthe images are received by at least one of said command center and saidhand held radio.
 6. The personnel extraction system according to claim 1wherein said unmanned aerial vehicle is operable to fly a flight profilethat includes at least one of flying directly to the real-time position,flying to the real-time position using terrain masking, and flying tothe real-time position using a nap of the earth flight profile.
 7. Thepersonnel extraction system according to claim 1 wherein said hand-heldradio comprises a combat survivor evader locator (CSEL) radio.
 8. Thepersonnel extraction system according to claim 7 wherein said CSEL radiois operable to command said unmanned aerial vehicle to fly to a locationof said CSEL radio.
 9. The personnel extraction system according toclaim 1 wherein said rescue pod further comprises a release handleoperable to detach said at least one aerodynamic fairing.
 10. A systemfor retrieving personnel, said system comprising: a hand held radiooperable to transmit a position of said radio; an unmanned aerialvehicle operable to receive the transmitted position and travel to thetransmitted position; and a rescue pod coupled to the unmanned aerialvehicle and operable to transport the personnel from the transmittedposition, said rescue pod comprising at least one aerodynamic fairing atan end of said rescue pod and at least one door, said aerodynamicfairing detachable from a body of said rescue pod such that thepersonnel can exit said rescue pod through said end.
 11. A system inaccordance with claim 10 wherein said rescue pod further comprises averification device that enables a remote operator to verify thepersonnel have boarded said rescue pod.
 12. A system in accordance withclaim 10 wherein said unmanned aerial vehicle is an A160T Hummingbirdunmanned utility helicopter.
 13. A system in accordance with claim 10wherein said rescue pod comprises: a top wall, a bottom wall, a firstside wall, and a second side wall that define a passenger compartment;an absorption layer positioned between the bottom wall and a floor ofthe passenger compartment, said absorption layer operable to absorb animpact force to protect a user positioned within the passengercompartment.
 14. A system in accordance with claim 10, wherein said atleast one door is a roll-up door operable to roll-up into said top wall.